Pub Date : 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100791
Fanny Quenard , Francis Pecout , Thierno A Barry , Romain Mortier , Marie-Paule Ferdinand , Ornella Cabras , André Cabie
Objectives
The incidence of chikungunya and dengue is increasing worldwide. Vaccines are now available against these two arboviral diseases.
Methods
We evaluated the acceptability of live chikungunya and dengue vaccines (VLA1553 and TAK-003) among users of Martinique’s travel clinics from January to April 2025. We asked whether they would want these vaccines for travel to areas with exposure risk and/or for their home territory.
Results
While planning travel, 41% of respondents expressed interest in the chikungunya vaccine, and 55% were interested in the dengue vaccine. For the Martinique territory, 55% were willing to receive the chikungunya vaccine, and 58% were willing to receive the dengue vaccine.
Conclusions
In both contexts (travel and home territory), acceptability was higher for dengue than for chikungunya vaccination. Acceptability for both vaccines was also higher for the home territory than for travel to areas with exposure risk. Few data are available on chikungunya vaccine acceptability. We found similar acceptability for this vaccine in Martinique as reported in the United States Virgin Islands (56%), an overseas territory of the United States in the Caribbean, and in La Réunion, another French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean (60.5% in the hypothetical full-reimbursement scenario).
{"title":"Acceptability of a chikungunya vaccine and dengue vaccine among travelers in Martinique (French West Indies), for the travel and for their home territory","authors":"Fanny Quenard , Francis Pecout , Thierno A Barry , Romain Mortier , Marie-Paule Ferdinand , Ornella Cabras , André Cabie","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>The incidence of chikungunya and dengue is increasing worldwide. Vaccines are now available against these two arboviral diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We evaluated the acceptability of live chikungunya and dengue vaccines (VLA1553 and TAK-003) among users of Martinique’s travel clinics from January to April 2025. We asked whether they would want these vaccines for travel to areas with exposure risk and/or for their home territory.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>While planning travel, 41% of respondents expressed interest in the chikungunya vaccine, and 55% were interested in the dengue vaccine. For the Martinique territory, 55% were willing to receive the chikungunya vaccine, and 58% were willing to receive the dengue vaccine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In both contexts (travel and home territory), acceptability was higher for dengue than for chikungunya vaccination. Acceptability for both vaccines was also higher for the home territory than for travel to areas with exposure risk. Few data are available on chikungunya vaccine acceptability. We found similar acceptability for this vaccine in Martinique as reported in the United States Virgin Islands (56%), an overseas territory of the United States in the Caribbean, and in La Réunion, another French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean (60.5% in the hypothetical full-reimbursement scenario).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100791"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100793
Do Van Dong , Vu Viet Sang , Nghiem Xuan Hoan , Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh , Hoang Xuan Quang , Tran Thi Lien , Van Dinh Trang , Le Huu Song , Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan
Objectives
Hepatitis E virus (HEV), traditionally associated with acute hepatitis, has been increasingly recognized as a potential cause of neurological disease, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. However, its role in central nervous system (CNS) infections in Vietnam has not been investigated.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 330 patients hospitalized with suspected CNS infections at four tertiary hospitals in Northern Vietnam. Extensive diagnostics, including CSF culture, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), customized PCR assays, and 16S nanopore sequencing, identified a pathogen in 27% of cases. All samples were additionally screened for HEV RNA using nested PCR targeting the ORF1 region.
Results
No HEV RNA was detected in this study. In our previous investigations, the most common pathogens identified were Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, herpes simplex virus type 1, and varicella-zoster virus. These findings suggest that HEV is unlikely to play a major role in CNS infections in this setting, although the lack of serological testing and genotyping limits interpretation.
Conclusions
Given evidence of HEV genotype 3 circulation in Vietnam, future prospective studies combining molecular and serological approaches are warranted to clarify the potential contribution of HEV to neurological disease.
{"title":"No evidence of hepatitis E virus-associated central nervous system infections in a Vietnamese multicenter cohort","authors":"Do Van Dong , Vu Viet Sang , Nghiem Xuan Hoan , Nguyen Thi Khanh Linh , Hoang Xuan Quang , Tran Thi Lien , Van Dinh Trang , Le Huu Song , Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Hepatitis E virus (HEV), traditionally associated with acute hepatitis, has been increasingly recognized as a potential cause of neurological disease, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. However, its role in central nervous system (CNS) infections in Vietnam has not been investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 330 patients hospitalized with suspected CNS infections at four tertiary hospitals in Northern Vietnam. Extensive diagnostics, including CSF culture, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), customized PCR assays, and 16S nanopore sequencing, identified a pathogen in 27% of cases. All samples were additionally screened for HEV RNA using nested PCR targeting the ORF1 region.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No HEV RNA was detected in this study. In our previous investigations, the most common pathogens identified were <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Acinetobacter baumannii,</em> herpes simplex virus type 1, and varicella-zoster virus. These findings suggest that HEV is unlikely to play a major role in CNS infections in this setting, although the lack of serological testing and genotyping limits interpretation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Given evidence of HEV genotype 3 circulation in Vietnam, future prospective studies combining molecular and serological approaches are warranted to clarify the potential contribution of HEV to neurological disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100793"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global challenge, especially in conflict-affected settings such as Syria, where health care infrastructure is compromised. This study assessed Syrian clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).
Methods
A two-phase online survey was conducted from June-July to October-November 2024 among physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and nurses across 11 Syrian governorates. Participants were recruited through professional networks, social media, and snowball sampling.
Results
Of 1179 respondents, 54% were male and 56% were residents (doctors in training); 32% had over 5 years’ experience. Most practiced medicine (78%), pharmacy (13%), or dentistry (8%). Awareness of AMR as a global (98%), national (93%), and local (67%) issue was high. Although 90% supported AMS, only 47% rated their hospital’s program as effective. Most desired more education (94%) and favored local guidelines (83%). Prescribing confidence was strong for routine cases (63%), but lower for complex ones (40-45%). Concerns included drug quality (80%), cost (52%), and ineffectiveness (47%). Notably, 39% struggled to withhold antibiotics in viral cases.
Conclusion
The survey reveals strong AMR awareness but significant gaps in AMS practice, microbiology access, and clinical guidance. Strengthening Syria’s national AMR strategy is urgently needed.
{"title":"A cross-sectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial resistance among Syrian health care professionals","authors":"Hisham Alhosni , Fares Alahdab , Wasim Zakaria , Ahmed Kejah , Mosa Shibani , Mohammad Basheer Alameer , Angie Hawat , André Torbey , Nabil Karah , Abduljabbar Alhajmousa , Abdulkarim Ezkazyez , Aula Abbara","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100789","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100789","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global challenge, especially in conflict-affected settings such as Syria, where health care infrastructure is compromised. This study assessed Syrian clinicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AMR and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-phase online survey was conducted from June-July to October-November 2024 among physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and nurses across 11 Syrian governorates. Participants were recruited through professional networks, social media, and snowball sampling.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 1179 respondents, 54% were male and 56% were residents (doctors in training); 32% had over 5 years’ experience. Most practiced medicine (78%), pharmacy (13%), or dentistry (8%). Awareness of AMR as a global (98%), national (93%), and local (67%) issue was high. Although 90% supported AMS, only 47% rated their hospital’s program as effective. Most desired more education (94%) and favored local guidelines (83%). Prescribing confidence was strong for routine cases (63%), but lower for complex ones (40-45%). Concerns included drug quality (80%), cost (52%), and ineffectiveness (47%). Notably, 39% struggled to withhold antibiotics in viral cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The survey reveals strong AMR awareness but significant gaps in AMS practice, microbiology access, and clinical guidance. Strengthening Syria’s national AMR strategy is urgently needed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100789"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-18DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100790
Dilkhush Jahan , Md Abdullah Saeed Khan , Sharmim Akter , Md. Sazid Rezwan , Israt Zahan Sarna , Md. Rahul Parvez , Golam Dastageer Prince , Salah Uddin Ahmed , Meerjady Sabrina Flora
Objectives
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern with established links to depression and stigma. Both outcomes have been found to vary between treatment phases of TB. This study compared depression and stigma among patients with TB in the intensive and continuation treatment phases in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Methods
A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted during August and September 2023 among 111 patients in the intensive phase and 113 in the continuation phase of TB treatment (a total of 224) at directly observed treatment short-course centers. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and stigma was measured using Van Rie’s TB/HIV Stigma Scale. Multivariable logistic regression identified associated factors.
Results
The prevalence of depression was 56.2% overall, with no significant difference between the intensive (59.5%) and continuation phases (53.1%). Anticipated stigma was more prevalent (74.6%) than social stigma (37.5%), with neither showing significant phase variation. Pulmonary TB was associated with both social stigma (odds ratio [OR] = 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-6.52) and anticipated stigma (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.70-6.59). Living with family increased the odds of experiencing anticipated stigma, while patient counseling demonstrated protective effects. Depression was associated with treatment adherence difficulties (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.75-7.51), persistent TB symptoms (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.04-4.91), and social stigma (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.22).
Conclusions
The high prevalence of depression and persistent stigma throughout treatment highlight the need for continuous mental health support across all phases. TB care should integrate depression screening, stigma reduction strategies, and enhanced counseling to improve outcomes.
{"title":"Phase-wise comparison of depression and stigma among tuberculosis patients undergoing treatment in Dhaka, Bangladesh","authors":"Dilkhush Jahan , Md Abdullah Saeed Khan , Sharmim Akter , Md. Sazid Rezwan , Israt Zahan Sarna , Md. Rahul Parvez , Golam Dastageer Prince , Salah Uddin Ahmed , Meerjady Sabrina Flora","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global health concern with established links to depression and stigma. Both outcomes have been found to vary between treatment phases of TB. This study compared depression and stigma among patients with TB in the intensive and continuation treatment phases in Dhaka, Bangladesh.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted during August and September 2023 among 111 patients in the intensive phase and 113 in the continuation phase of TB treatment (a total of 224) at directly observed treatment short-course centers. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and stigma was measured using Van Rie’s TB/HIV Stigma Scale. Multivariable logistic regression identified associated factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of depression was 56.2% overall, with no significant difference between the intensive (59.5%) and continuation phases (53.1%). Anticipated stigma was more prevalent (74.6%) than social stigma (37.5%), with neither showing significant phase variation. Pulmonary TB was associated with both social stigma (odds ratio [OR] = 3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-6.52) and anticipated stigma (OR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.70-6.59). Living with family increased the odds of experiencing anticipated stigma, while patient counseling demonstrated protective effects. Depression was associated with treatment adherence difficulties (OR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.75-7.51), persistent TB symptoms (OR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.04-4.91), and social stigma (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.22).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The high prevalence of depression and persistent stigma throughout treatment highlight the need for continuous mental health support across all phases. TB care should integrate depression screening, stigma reduction strategies, and enhanced counseling to improve outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100790"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100776
Mousa Hussein , Merlin Thomas , Mustafa Al-Tikrity , Anam Elarabi , Mansoor Hameed , Aisha Al-Adab , Wanis Ibrahim , Prem Chandra , Shakeel Ahmed , Muhammad Muslim , Osaid Al-Qahoush , Tasleem Raza
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Etiology of exudative pleural effusion among adults: Differentiating between tuberculous and other causes, a multicenter prospective cohort study” [IJID Regions, volume 12 (2024), 100425]","authors":"Mousa Hussein , Merlin Thomas , Mustafa Al-Tikrity , Anam Elarabi , Mansoor Hameed , Aisha Al-Adab , Wanis Ibrahim , Prem Chandra , Shakeel Ahmed , Muhammad Muslim , Osaid Al-Qahoush , Tasleem Raza","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100776","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100776","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100776"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145321449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-16DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100785
Carelene Lakhan , Neela Badrie , Adash Ramsubhag , Vrijesh Tripathi , Ram Bajpai , Lisa Indar
Objectives
Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a major public health and economic concern globally, including in Trinidad and Tobago, where one in ten residents is affected annually. Therefore, this study aimed to assess, for the first time, AGE trends from 2006 to 2023, focusing on demographic, seasonal, and geographic factors to guide targeted public health strategies.
Methods
AGE surveillance data from 2006 to 2023, comprising all individuals presenting to any public healthcare facility in Trinidad and Tobago with AGE (defined as more than three watery stools within 24 hours), were obtained from the National Epidemiology Unit. Data were managed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Genstat 19 and Joinpoint Regression Program. Background characteristics were summarized descriptively using mean (SD) and frequencies. Trend analysis was performed while accounting for age group, month, year, season, and county to evaluate temporal and spatial variations in AGE incidence.
Results
Between 2006 and 2023, a total of 353,269 AGE-related healthcare visits were recorded, with the highest burden in 2010 and the lowest in 2022. Overall, AGE incidence followed four phases: a decline (2006-2015, annual percent change [APC] −2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]), an increase (2015-2018, APC 5.84, 95% CI), a sharp decline (2018-2021, APC −36.07, 95% CI), and a rebound increase (2021-2023, APC 43.26, 95% CI). By age group, AGE incidence declined in children under 5 years between 2010 and 2018 (APC −51.04, 95% CI), while in individuals aged 5 years and older, it decreased slightly from 2006 to 2015 (APC −1.11, 95% CI). Analysis by season showed different trends: in the dry season, there was an increase from 2015 to 2018 (APC 66.73, 95% CI), while in the wet season, there was a decrease from 2010 to 2018 (APC –24.00, 95% CI). Both wet and dry seasons also exhibited sharp declines during 2018-2021. Residents within the counties of Nariva, St. Patrick, Victoria, and Caroni recorded higher AGE incidence compared to other counties.
Conclusions
The findings indicate higher AGE burdens across specific counties, variations in incidence between wet and dry seasons, and differences among age groups over the period 2006-2023, highlighting the need for age- and region-specific interventions, particularly in rural areas and during high-risk seasons. These results underscore the importance of enhanced AGE surveillance and the implementation of targeted public health measures in Trinidad and Tobago.
{"title":"Acute gastroenteritis in Trinidad and Tobago: identifying trend by season, geography, and demographics from 2006 to 2023","authors":"Carelene Lakhan , Neela Badrie , Adash Ramsubhag , Vrijesh Tripathi , Ram Bajpai , Lisa Indar","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remains a major public health and economic concern globally, including in Trinidad and Tobago, where one in ten residents is affected annually. Therefore, this study aimed to assess, for the first time, AGE trends from 2006 to 2023, focusing on demographic, seasonal, and geographic factors to guide targeted public health strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>AGE surveillance data from 2006 to 2023, comprising all individuals presenting to any public healthcare facility in Trinidad and Tobago with AGE (defined as more than three watery stools within 24 hours), were obtained from the National Epidemiology Unit. Data were managed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Genstat 19 and Joinpoint Regression Program. Background characteristics were summarized descriptively using mean (SD) and frequencies. Trend analysis was performed while accounting for age group, month, year, season, and county to evaluate temporal and spatial variations in AGE incidence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between 2006 and 2023, a total of 353,269 AGE-related healthcare visits were recorded, with the highest burden in 2010 and the lowest in 2022. Overall, AGE incidence followed four phases: a decline (2006-2015, annual percent change [APC] −2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]), an increase (2015-2018, APC 5.84, 95% CI), a sharp decline (2018-2021, APC −36.07, 95% CI), and a rebound increase (2021-2023, APC 43.26, 95% CI). By age group, AGE incidence declined in children under 5 years between 2010 and 2018 (APC −51.04, 95% CI), while in individuals aged 5 years and older, it decreased slightly from 2006 to 2015 (APC −1.11, 95% CI). Analysis by season showed different trends: in the dry season, there was an increase from 2015 to 2018 (APC 66.73, 95% CI), while in the wet season, there was a decrease from 2010 to 2018 (APC –24.00, 95% CI). Both wet and dry seasons also exhibited sharp declines during 2018-2021. Residents within the counties of Nariva, St. Patrick, Victoria, and Caroni recorded higher AGE incidence compared to other counties.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings indicate higher AGE burdens across specific counties, variations in incidence between wet and dry seasons, and differences among age groups over the period 2006-2023, highlighting the need for age- and region-specific interventions, particularly in rural areas and during high-risk seasons. These results underscore the importance of enhanced AGE surveillance and the implementation of targeted public health measures in Trinidad and Tobago.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100785"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common globally, impacting quality of life and creating financial and medical difficulties. They are a concern in both community and hospital settings. The purpose of the study was to assess the bacteriological profile, risk factors, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of UTIs in pregnant women attending antenatal care in East Wallaga, Ethiopia.
Methods
Institutional-based cross-sectional research was carried out among pregnant women. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to identify bacterial profiles and evaluate them for antibiotic sensitivity. A 95% confidence interval was used, and a P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
In this study, the total prevalence of UTIs was 14.9% (95% confidence interval: 11.0-18.8%) (n = 44/296). Most of the isolated organisms were gram-negative (61.4%). Escherichia coli was the most predominant isolate (40%). Eighty-seven percent of the bacterial isolates were ampicillin-resistant. Multidrug resistance was seen in 77.3% of the isolated bacteria. A history of catheterization and a history of UTI were identified as significant predictors of UTI.
Conclusions
In pregnant women, bacterial isolates from the current investigation indicated an alarming level of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it's critical to identify the drug-susceptibility pattern of the causative agents of UTIs and diagnose them early and routinely.
{"title":"Bacterial agent, antibiotic resistance profile and predictors of urinary tract infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Ethiopia","authors":"Milkias Abebe , Abdi Negash , Shimelis Kebede , Fedasan Alemu , Deresa Jemma , Desta Amansisa , Seifu Gizaw","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100787","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100787","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common globally, impacting quality of life and creating financial and medical difficulties. They are a concern in both community and hospital settings. The purpose of the study was to assess the bacteriological profile, risk factors, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of UTIs in pregnant women attending antenatal care in East Wallaga, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Institutional-based cross-sectional research was carried out among pregnant women. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to identify bacterial profiles and evaluate them for antibiotic sensitivity. A 95% confidence interval was used, and a <em>P</em>-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, the total prevalence of UTIs was 14.9% (95% confidence interval: 11.0-18.8%) (n = 44/296). Most of the isolated organisms were gram-negative (61.4%). <em>Escherichia coli</em> was the most predominant isolate (40%). Eighty-seven percent of the bacterial isolates were ampicillin-resistant. Multidrug resistance was seen in 77.3% of the isolated bacteria. A history of catheterization and a history of UTI were identified as significant predictors of UTI.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In pregnant women, bacterial isolates from the current investigation indicated an alarming level of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it's critical to identify the drug-susceptibility pattern of the causative agents of UTIs and diagnose them early and routinely.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100787"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466170","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vaccines against COVID-19 significantly reduced symptomatic disease and hospitalization. However, waning and diminished protection against emerging variants of concern (VoCs) have warranted booster doses. Clinical studies comparing homologous and heterologous boosters demonstrate enhanced immunogenicity and breakthrough-infection control with heterologous regimens. In this context, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a single heterologous CORBEVAX™ booster in adults in a prospective phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Methods
Adults (18-80 years) previously primed ≥6 months earlier with two doses of COVISHIELD™ or COVAXIN™ were randomized 3:1 within each prime group to receive CORBEVAX™ or placebo. Study endpoints included safety, reactogenicity, tolerability, and humoral/cellular immunogenicity.
Results
A total of 416 participants (208 per prime group) were enrolled. Post-CORBEVAX™ booster, we observed enhanced humoral responses—significantly increased neutralizing-antibody titers and anti-receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G—and a T helper 1-skewed cellular response with increased interferon-gamma secretion. A superior post-booster neutralization response against the Omicron VoC was also observed. Adverse events were primarily mild-to-moderate (no adverse events of special interest) with a booster safety profile comparable to placebo. One serious adverse event occurred and was deemed unrelated to the booster.
Conclusions
In conclusion, heterologous boosting with CORBEVAX™ substantially enhanced humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 VoCs while being well tolerated.
{"title":"Immunogenicity and safety of Biological E’s CORBEVAX™ vaccine as a heterologous booster dose in adult volunteers previously vaccinated with two doses of either COVISHIELD™ or COVAXIN: A prospective double-blind randomized phase III clinical study","authors":"Subhash Thuluva , Vikram Paradkar , SubbaReddy Gunneri , Vijay Yerroju , Rammohan Reddy Mogulla , Kamal Thammireddy , Siddalingaiah Ningaiah , Chirag Dhar , Akshay Binayke , Aymaan Zaheer , Amit Awasthi , Shiva Narang , Naveen Chander Reddy , Anil Kumar Pandey , Chitta Sitaram Anjaneylu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100786","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100786","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Vaccines against COVID-19 significantly reduced symptomatic disease and hospitalization. However, waning and diminished protection against emerging variants of concern (VoCs) have warranted booster doses. Clinical studies comparing homologous and heterologous boosters demonstrate enhanced immunogenicity and breakthrough-infection control with heterologous regimens. In this context, we evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of a single heterologous CORBEVAX™ booster in adults in a prospective phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Adults (18-80 years) previously primed ≥6 months earlier with two doses of COVISHIELD™ or COVAXIN™ were randomized 3:1 within each prime group to receive CORBEVAX™ or placebo. Study endpoints included safety, reactogenicity, tolerability, and humoral/cellular immunogenicity.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 416 participants (208 per prime group) were enrolled. Post-CORBEVAX™ booster, we observed enhanced humoral responses—significantly increased neutralizing-antibody titers and anti-receptor-binding domain immunoglobulin G—and a T helper 1-skewed cellular response with increased interferon-gamma secretion. A superior post-booster neutralization response against the Omicron VoC was also observed. Adverse events were primarily mild-to-moderate (no adverse events of special interest) with a booster safety profile comparable to placebo. One serious adverse event occurred and was deemed unrelated to the booster.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In conclusion, heterologous boosting with CORBEVAX™ substantially enhanced humoral and cellular immunity against SARS-CoV-2 VoCs while being well tolerated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100786"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objectives: In India, 6-12 million people experience chronic hepatitis C infection, which can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite free diagnostic and treatment services under the national program, treatment initiation is frequently delayed, and patient retention is sub-optimal. The study aims to identify the factors influencing the cascade of care and assess the predictors of treatment success.
Methods: A hospital-based prospective longitudinal study was conducted among adult patients with hepatitis C. All patients with a detectable viral load who chose to initiate treatment in our center were enrolled and prescribed direct-acting antiviral drugs. They were observed throughout the treatment, and sustained viral response was measured at 12 weeks post-treatment. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tests and a multivariable logistic regression to find the predictors of treatment success.
Results: Of 761 patients who screened positive for viral hepatitis, 600 had detectable hepatitis C virus RNA. Among the 600 patients, only 64.27% (385) initiated the treatment. Of 385 patients, 77.4% underwent a viral load assay within 1 week of the screening test, whereas 78.4% started treatment within 1 month of hepatitis C virus RNA detection. Although 78.9% of patients completed the treatment, only 52.9% of patients underwent Sustained Viral Response testing. Among those tested, 92.6% achieved Sustained Viral Response. Age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.98), intravenous drug use (AOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06-0.52), cirrhosis (AOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10-0.77), and Serum albumin levels (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.02-4.12) emerged as significant predictors of treatment success.
Conclusions: Significant attrition of patients from screening to Sustained Viral Response testing highlights the gaps in the care continuum. Delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation further exacerbate the situation. Despite these challenges, direct-acting antivirals offer hope for successful treatment. Age, intravenous drug use, cirrhosis, and S. albumin levels emerged as significant predictors of treatment success.
{"title":"Understanding the cascade of care and predictors of treatment success among patients with hepatitis C - A prospective study at a tertiary care center in India","authors":"Sunvir Kaur Rai , Simmi Oberoi , Amandev Singh , Harpreet Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100783","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100783","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Objectives:</em> In India, 6-12 million people experience chronic hepatitis C infection, which can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite free diagnostic and treatment services under the national program, treatment initiation is frequently delayed, and patient retention is sub-optimal. The study aims to identify the factors influencing the cascade of care and assess the predictors of treatment success.</div><div><em>Methods:</em> A hospital-based prospective longitudinal study was conducted among adult patients with hepatitis C. All patients with a detectable viral load who chose to initiate treatment in our center were enrolled and prescribed direct-acting antiviral drugs. They were observed throughout the treatment, and sustained viral response was measured at 12 weeks post-treatment. Data were analyzed using suitable statistical tests and a multivariable logistic regression to find the predictors of treatment success.</div><div><em>Results:</em> Of 761 patients who screened positive for viral hepatitis, 600 had detectable hepatitis C virus RNA. Among the 600 patients, only 64.27% (385) initiated the treatment. Of 385 patients, 77.4% underwent a viral load assay within 1 week of the screening test, whereas 78.4% started treatment within 1 month of hepatitis C virus RNA detection. Although 78.9% of patients completed the treatment, only 52.9% of patients underwent Sustained Viral Response testing. Among those tested, 92.6% achieved Sustained Viral Response. Age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.98), intravenous drug use (AOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06-0.52), cirrhosis (AOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.10-0.77), and Serum albumin levels (AOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.02-4.12) emerged as significant predictors of treatment success.</div><div><em>Conclusions:</em> Significant attrition of patients from screening to Sustained Viral Response testing highlights the gaps in the care continuum. Delayed diagnosis and treatment initiation further exacerbate the situation. Despite these challenges, direct-acting antivirals offer hope for successful treatment. Age, intravenous drug use, cirrhosis, and S. albumin levels emerged as significant predictors of treatment success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100783"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416966","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784
William Leung , Michael G. Baker , Laurens Manning , Julie Bennett
Objectives
Acute rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that can lead to chronic illness and early death. Standard prevention with 4-weekly intramuscular (IM) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections for ≥10 years may be associated with poor adherence. High-dose 10-weekly subcutaneous penicillin injections (SCIP) may improve adherence by reducing injection frequency. Since 2025, SCIP has been included in the repository of standard operating procedures in lower North Island hospitals in New Zealand (NZ). We compare the costs of delivering a full course of secondary prophylaxis using SCIP vs IM BPG injections in NZ children with a first acute rheumatic fever presentation and no/mild carditis.
Methods
Treatment administration costs and productivity losses from SCIP vs IM BPG were modeled using real-world survey data on time off school and work. Starting age of secondary prophylaxis, adherence, and administration site over the treatment period were varied. Costs are in 2024 NZ$, discounted at 3.5%.
Results
SCIP reduced 12-month costs by nearly half to NZ$ 1629 for a 10-year-old child. Over a full course, SCIP consistently offered societal cost-savings, especially in younger children and higher adherence scenarios.
Conclusions
Prevention using SCIP is cost-saving to NZ society. Increased adherence to SCIP may contribute to longer, healthier lives for those diagnosed with rheumatic fever.
{"title":"Prevention of rheumatic heart disease in New Zealand: High-dose subcutaneous benzathine penicillin is cost-saving compared with traditional intramuscular injections","authors":"William Leung , Michael G. Baker , Laurens Manning , Julie Bennett","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2025.100784","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Acute rheumatic fever is a preventable condition that can lead to chronic illness and early death. Standard prevention with 4-weekly intramuscular (IM) benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections for ≥10 years may be associated with poor adherence. High-dose 10-weekly subcutaneous penicillin injections (SCIP) may improve adherence by reducing injection frequency. Since 2025, SCIP has been included in the repository of standard operating procedures in lower North Island hospitals in New Zealand (NZ). We compare the costs of delivering a full course of secondary prophylaxis using SCIP vs IM BPG injections in NZ children with a first acute rheumatic fever presentation and no/mild carditis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Treatment administration costs and productivity losses from SCIP vs IM BPG were modeled using real-world survey data on time off school and work. Starting age of secondary prophylaxis, adherence, and administration site over the treatment period were varied. Costs are in 2024 NZ$, discounted at 3.5%.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SCIP reduced 12-month costs by nearly half to NZ$ 1629 for a 10-year-old child. Over a full course, SCIP consistently offered societal cost-savings, especially in younger children and higher adherence scenarios.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Prevention using SCIP is cost-saving to NZ society. Increased adherence to SCIP may contribute to longer, healthier lives for those diagnosed with rheumatic fever.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":"17 ","pages":"Article 100784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-10-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362400","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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